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I'm a bit confused. I put you down for 24/2 because you listed it first (gosh, sorry if that was not your order of preference). You listed 67/4 second. So are you in for 24/2 or just want to be a back-up for 67/4?

And, yes, we certainly will need back-up people!!

Thanks,Kathleen

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After playing Chopin, I feel as if I had been weeping over sins that I had never committed, and mourning over tragedies that were not my own." Oscar Wilde, 1891

Wow, that's a nice piece. I'm going to learn it over the weekend (for my own benefit, not for the Mazurka Marathon, I think this would be good for people who don't want to dedicate themselves to a "long" piece)

I'm thinking: "Now why do I know that piece so well? It is so familiar." Then it dawned on me. Hershey starting off his M. Chopin with it. It is charming.

OK, I will put you down for it and open up 7/3.

Just a warning: It is very dangerous to listen to Chopin's mazurkas if you have already chosen yours. Because you will find yourself saying: "Oh, that is so beautiful. I have to play that." And this will happen with almost every one you hear.

But changing your mind is allowed.

Kathleen

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After playing Chopin, I feel as if I had been weeping over sins that I had never committed, and mourning over tragedies that were not my own." Oscar Wilde, 1891

A few people have written me with a concern that I think is a valid one.

The Mazurka Marathon was created with a specific goal in mind. That is... that over a period of 18 months, members of the Piano World will be performing as many Chopin mazurkas as possible. In other words, we will be having THREE RECITALS[/b] total.

First Recital: March 1, 2008Second Recital: October 17, 2008Third Recital: March 1, 2009

Some people may only want to participate in one or two or (hopefully) all three. That will be just fine. No one HAS to commit to more than one, or if he/she wants to drop out completely...that's perfectly acceptable.

But the concern is that the easiest mazurkas will be performed during the first recital. And that's O.K. However, the problem will occur when we get to the second and third recitals. Since the easier mazurkas may have been played during the first recital, only the more difficult ones will remain for the second and third.

And, for some, to get a more difficult piece ready in 6 months, may present a problem.

So it has been suggested that those intending on performing in all three (or just maybe thinking about it) recitals, choose their 3 mazurkas RIGHT NOW![/b]

I know, I know...you're thinking ...how in the heck can I possibly know what I will be able to play 6 months and even 12 months from now? How can I make that decision today or within the next few days? I understand this totally.

What I suggest (that is if you really want to play in all three recitals, or even one or two), listen to as many mazurkas as you can. Write down the ones that appeal to you, thinking about the difficulty level as you do. And then make your list. If you start with a 6 level as I am, maybe chose a 7 level for the second recital and a 8 or maybe another 7 for the third recital.

BTW: If you need to know the difficult level of any, let me know.

You don't have to do all of this today, of course. But maybe within the next week or two. And, as always, the option is always there to change your mind or drop out completely.

A few of you have already indicated your 1st, 2nd and 3rd choices. If you would like to keep these as stated, I will write them next to your name on the first page. And, naturally, you can change the order at any time.

What I am trying to say in the above is simply this. We want to give people ample time to practice. If they have a year and even 18 months to do this, it is very possible that they will be willing to take on the more difficult mazurkas...and thus we will have almost all of Chopin's mazurkas performed during this 3 RECITAL MARATHON!

If you have any questions or comments, please let me know.

If you decide not to choose your other choices now, OK. But remember that the longer you wait, there is always the possibility that you will lose it.

My best,Kathleen

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After playing Chopin, I feel as if I had been weeping over sins that I had never committed, and mourning over tragedies that were not my own." Oscar Wilde, 1891

Yikes, this is getting complicated because I don't know what is the fairest thing to do.

If a person indicated 1st, 2nd, 3rd choice right from the start, do I give them first crack at their two other choices, even if (after my announcement of picking three) others have picked someone else's 2nd or 3rd choice?

PLEASE EVERYONE, TAKE A LOOK AT THE LIST ON THE FIRST PAGE TO SEE IF I MADE ANY REAL GOOFS. I DON'T WANT TO DISAPPOINT OR BE UNFAIR TO ANYONE.

Any comments?

Kathleen

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After playing Chopin, I feel as if I had been weeping over sins that I had never committed, and mourning over tragedies that were not my own." Oscar Wilde, 1891

Good morning all. Another glorious fall day here in the Chicago area. A large part of the population of Chicago is pretty sad today as the Cubs blew their chances for the pennant and the World Series last night. But..."wait until next year." Even if we get no other takers from now to March, we will have a super recital as it stands now.

To help me choose my 2nd and 3rd choice, I printed out the list that Frycek so generously provided. Then I drew a line through those already spoken for. Then I circled the "7's". Now today, I am going to listen to all the 7's to see if I can find one that I love and that is within my range. For my third choice, I am a bit leary about picking an 8. (I just finished learning and playing an 8 prelude and it just about killed me.) However, if I hear one that I just MUST play (and remember it will be 18 months from now), I will pick that one.

Kathleen

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After playing Chopin, I feel as if I had been weeping over sins that I had never committed, and mourning over tragedies that were not my own." Oscar Wilde, 1891